This fall, get stuck in the web of Spiders. From fear to fascination! Explore both live and preserved specimens, alongside interactive experiences and discover recent scientific findings. Learn about the myths surrounding spiders, and discover their ecological importance and cultural significance.

Take an up-close look at the 300-million-year evolution of spiders and see 18 live spider species, including the Black Widow and Brown Recluse, then engage with virtual elements to explore the 48,000 known spider species.

Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of spiders with your friends and family at the Spiders: From Fear to Fascination exhibition. This immersive experience offers something for everyone, from the youngest explorers to seasoned naturalists. Together, you’ll face your fears, challenge your perceptions, and uncover the incredible secrets of these commonly misunderstood creatures. Whether you’re competing in a spider dance-off or marveling at the glowing forest floor teeming with life, this exhibition promises unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for our eight-legged neighbors.

Specimens and interaction

Get caught up in the intricate world of spiders through dynamic interactive displays showcasing 250 spider specimens. In Spiders. From fear to fascination, you’ll explore the diversity of arachnids from around the globe. Experience spiders like never before through hands-on activities, interactive screens, and augmented reality elements. Engage with live specimens, observe their behaviors and use virtual tools to examine spider anatomy up close. From holding a virtual spider in your hand to identifying species with a digital magnifying glass, this exhibit brings the spider world to life in ways that are both educational and exhilarating.

Augmented reality

Step into a world where reality and the virtual blend seamlessly through augmented reality (AR) experiences. Encounter AR elements that enhance your understanding and engagement of how spiders interact with the natural world. Watch as spiders scatter across a virtual forest floor, or hold a digital spider in your hand using specially designed coasters. The interactive AR floor projection invites you to playfully interact with virtual spiders that respond to your movements, offering a unique, immersive experience that captivates both the young and the young at heart. This cutting-edge technology brings the hidden world of spiders closer than ever before, making learning both fun and unforgettable.

Scientific insights

Did you know spiders existed before dinosaurs? After exploring the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, discover groundbreaking research that unravels the mysteries of spider behavior, venom and silk production. Learn about the critical role spiders play in ecosystems and how their unique biological traits have inspired innovations in medicine, technology and beyond. This exhibition not only educates but also challenges misconceptions, providing visitors with a balanced and informed perspective on these often-misunderstood arachnids. Explore the evolutionary adaptations that make spiders such successful hunters, weavers, and survivors in a wide range of environments.

An exhibition created by the Australian Museum and toured by Evergreen Exhibitions.